Bahrain & Saudi F1 Races in Doubt
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are at risk of cancellation due to the USA-Iran war [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/formula-1-rumored-cancel-two-141526860.html] – potentially dropping the F1 race count to 22 [https://www.news.gp/en/bahrain-gp-in-doubt-saudi-arabia-still-trying-to-keep-race].
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is reportedly pushing hard to keep its place on the F1 calendar despite the ongoing crisis. However, sources indicate that if one of the two races (Bahrain or Saudi Arabia) is canceled, the other will likely be called off as well. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the FIA will prioritize "safety and wellbeing" when deciding on the upcoming races in the Middle East. The FIA is closely monitoring the situation and is in close contact with member clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground. If both races are canceled, F1 will likely drop to a 22-race calendar in 2026, with no replacement events scheduled. This would create a month-long break in April between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix. Canceling the Middle East races could cost F1 more than $100 million. The sport's business model heavily relies on race hosting fees and media rights.
